Gosh! Ask me about it. There’s a constant tussle between me and my kids about revising their school work. They run miles away from it, especially the writing bit. But well, better late than never. I have finally come to terms with giving them ample space and freedom to choose a time when they are in an absolute frame of mind to revise because then they not only put their best effort but also pay required attention.
There are children who naturally possess good study habits while there are others who completely detest staying at one place to study. In my household, we have both the scenarios. There are situations when kids suddenly remember 100 things to do during their home-work or revision time. Likewise, there are multiple scenarios when kids are keen on learning and others when they just want to be on their own. But as a child grows up homeworks and revisions become a part of their routine. Before it becomes overwhelming for the child and parents, it’s imperative to find ways to make study-time look fun and interesting for them.
Here are a few tips that can enable little buds to get engaged willingly –
1. Know your child’s learning style : This is the key. Know whether your child prefers learning through auditory, visual or kinaesthetic mediums. This way a child won’t be jittery and would be able to retain focus for a considerable amount of time.
2. Keep distractions at bay – Avoid using phones or tabs when the child is ready to study. Instead get hold of a book or you too engage yourself in some work while sitting next to the child.
3. Create a Routine – Ask your child to make her own time table. This way she will add various activities into it and likewise study time too. Child would want to revise when she herself allocates an activity to herself. Give them the power of choice to include a time by themselves.
4. Playful approach – Bounce off concepts in a playful manner. Simple things as addition, or asking spellings or simply getting them to read a line from the magazine or playfully narrate a few lines. This way they won’t realise that you are getting them to revise because it is not a structured approach and at the same time helps a parent’s goal.
5. Praise instead of instant rewards – If your child has completed a worksheet successfully, whether during school hours or at home, with less or no assistance it’s time they deserve a star or smiley from either parent. This way, they’ll be encouraged to do more such tasks and will immediately boost their confidence.
6. Ensure that they have their supplies handy and are not running from pillar to post finding pencils, erasers etc.
7. Lastly, refrain from verbal bashing when a child is not listening or paying attention. In that moment let them be on their own. Instead, try to reinforce, just as play time is important some revision of concepts is important too. It can be a slow process but gradually, the child would understand this.
In the process of fuss management don’t forget that it’s the learning and imbibing that is important and not just getting the homework done. Take it one step at a time and sync yourself with the child’s pace and gradually advise them to increase it. It’s a slow process and would involve oodles of patience from the parent.
Hope you find the article useful. Do share your suggestions and let us know if you found these tips useful.
Happy Parenting!
ADITI MALIK 